Before we start: I know these photos aren't really suitable for a report. I'm not a photographer by any stretch, and don't enjoy taking photos on explores because I feel that it takes me away from really experiencing the moment. However, I know contribution goes a long way here, so I hope you can forgive me!
Opening in 1912, the Griffith Park Zoo boasted a grand total of 15 animals. It was expanded in the 1930s, with most enclosures built in the caves-with-iron-bars style which was then standard for zoos. In the mid 1920s, film producer William Nicholas Selig donated many of the animals from his studios, which he had attempted to convert into an animal theme park, to the new zoo.
As Los Angeles grew, the small Griffith Park Zoo was increasingly criticized as an "inadequate, ugly, poorly designed and under-financed collection of beat-up cages", despite drawing more than 2 million visitors a year.
In 1958 the city passed an $8 million bond measure to create a brand new zoo, and the Griffith Park Zoo closed in 1966. Animals were transferred to the new Los Angeles Zoo 2 miles away, while the original enclosures, with bars removed, were left as runs.
Due to its proximity to Hollywood and the larger LA film industry, and its unusual appearance, the Zoo has been used as a shooting location for numerous film and television projects, including episodes of Starsky & Hutch, The New Adventures of Wonder Woman and Rush Hour.
Despite living in LA for 14 years, my buddy who took these shots had never heard of the place, so it was really nice being able to give him a new experience in his own city. A great little derp that I'd recommend to anyone visiting the city, whether they're into urban exploration or not. More pics and info here and here.
Thanks for reading!
Opening in 1912, the Griffith Park Zoo boasted a grand total of 15 animals. It was expanded in the 1930s, with most enclosures built in the caves-with-iron-bars style which was then standard for zoos. In the mid 1920s, film producer William Nicholas Selig donated many of the animals from his studios, which he had attempted to convert into an animal theme park, to the new zoo.
As Los Angeles grew, the small Griffith Park Zoo was increasingly criticized as an "inadequate, ugly, poorly designed and under-financed collection of beat-up cages", despite drawing more than 2 million visitors a year.
In 1958 the city passed an $8 million bond measure to create a brand new zoo, and the Griffith Park Zoo closed in 1966. Animals were transferred to the new Los Angeles Zoo 2 miles away, while the original enclosures, with bars removed, were left as runs.
Due to its proximity to Hollywood and the larger LA film industry, and its unusual appearance, the Zoo has been used as a shooting location for numerous film and television projects, including episodes of Starsky & Hutch, The New Adventures of Wonder Woman and Rush Hour.
Despite living in LA for 14 years, my buddy who took these shots had never heard of the place, so it was really nice being able to give him a new experience in his own city. A great little derp that I'd recommend to anyone visiting the city, whether they're into urban exploration or not. More pics and info here and here.
Thanks for reading!
